Psychological Practices in ‘House of Juveniles of Santiago’, Chile 1929-1942

Dr. Silvana Vetö, (Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago, Chile).

This talk studies the history of childhood in Chile, and the manner in which the notion of modern childhood was built in the judicial landscape and through specific and novel judicial practices. It explores the history of some specific disciplines in Chile, such as psychology, medicine and social work, and how these disciplines, in their interactions, disputes, and negotiations, contributed to the construction of the representation of the ‘abnormal’, ‘deviant’ and ‘dangerous’ children. I introduce the Chilean social, cultural and legal context of the period, focussing on psychology as it was practiced in the House of Juveniles of Santiago. The House of Juveniles was one of the most important institutions created by Child Protection Law of 1928, along with the creation of the First Juvenile Court. I explore on a group of records that contain psychological reports, describing psychological practices as they appear in those reports, and unveil the notions, concepts and theories that sustained these practices, and show how these practices contributed to building up the category of ‘abnormal’ or ‘deviant’ children in Chile.

From the Torrington Place entrance to UCL, enter the campus on Malet Place. After fifty metres, you will find Foser court on the right hand side. Turn right under the underpass, and enter via the second door on the right. The common room is straight ahead.

History of Science Society. HSS.
The History of Science Society is the world’s largest society dedicated to understanding science, technology, medicine, and their interactions with society in historical context.
7

Society for the History of Technology (SHOT)
An interdisciplinary organization, SHOT is concerned not only with the history of technological devices and processes but also with technology in history—that is, the relationship of technology to politics, economics, science, the arts, and the (…)
3